Sources of energy in the United States

But these are finite resources. A few years ago, we thought that if we continued
with the same mix of energy
sources, we would deplete our domestic petroleum and natural gas stocks in less
than 4 decades--before most of you hit retirement age. But more recently, the technology of "fracking" has opened up new sources of oil and natural gas.

Still, we have recently become aware of the greenhouse effects
of the large amounts of carbon dioxide released in burning. If we try to use more coal, because we do have a large supply
of it, our emissions will increase at a faster rate than before.

In the course of your lifetimes we will need to change to other energy sources,
as well as probably using less energy.

The simulation

The goal of this project is to use a simulation to play out multiple
scenarios of how that transition might happen. Using a spreadsheet, you'll
make decisions about which kinds of energy to use in the future, and how much
of each for about 40 years into the future subject to our current best guesses
about fossil fuel availability, and knowledge about carbon emissions.

Can you maintain an end-of-20th-century energy lifestyle? Can you reduce CO2
emissions? How will life be different in 40 years as a result of the changes you suggest?

This assignment is based on one originally developed by Pat Keefe, Clatsop
Community College.